This is one of India's most dramatic domestic routes, and the right side keeps the high Himalayan and Ladakh peaks in view longest during takeoff and the initial climb, while also catching subtle terrain features on the Delhi approach. The left side sees mostly featureless plateau and plains throughout.
Flown IXL to DEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Leh to Delhi is 386 miles (622 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Great Himalayan Range, Zanskar Range, Pir Panjal Range, upper Sutlej River valley, transition into the Indo-Gangetic plain near the Himalayan foothills
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IXL
RIGHTClimbing out of Leh's high-altitude valley on the southeast-bound departure, the right side faces the jagged Ladakh Range and the snow-capped Stok Kangri massif rising directly south of the airfield, with the Indus River threading through the valley floor below. The left side mostly shows the barren Karakoram foothills receding into haze.
Landing at DEL
RIGHTOn the descent into Delhi, the right side retains a view of the last Himalayan foothills and the Sutlej/Yamuna plains opening up, plus a glimpse of the low Aravalli ridge southwest of the city as the aircraft turns onto final approach. The left side mostly faces flat, featureless agricultural plains during the same turn.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Leh (IXL) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Leh to Delhi. This is one of India's most dramatic domestic routes, and the right side keeps the high Himalayan and Ladakh peaks in view longest during takeoff and the initial climb, while also catching subtle terrain features on the Delhi approach. The left side sees mostly featureless plateau and plains throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Leh in Leh?
During takeoff from Leh (IXL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Leh's high-altitude valley on the southeast-bound departure, the right side faces the jagged Ladakh Range and the snow-capped Stok Kangri massif rising directly south of the airfield, with the Indus River threading through the valley floor below. The left side mostly shows the barren Karakoram foothills receding into haze. Notable sights include: Stok Kangri, Ladakh Range, Indus River valley, Zanskar Range foothills.
What can I see when landing at Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
When landing at Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Delhi, the right side retains a view of the last Himalayan foothills and the Sutlej/Yamuna plains opening up, plus a glimpse of the low Aravalli ridge southwest of the city as the aircraft turns onto final approach. The left side mostly faces flat, featureless agricultural plains during the same turn. Notable sights include: Yamuna River, Aravalli Range foothills, Delhi urban sprawl, Indo-Gangetic plain.
How long is the flight from Leh to Delhi?
The flight from Leh (IXL) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 386 miles (622 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Leh to Delhi flight path pass over?
Great Himalayan Range, Zanskar Range, Pir Panjal Range, upper Sutlej River valley, transition into the Indo-Gangetic plain near the Himalayan foothills